That quote ought to be taught in schools! Maybe it would help some see the benefits of working hard and thinking. I was out in the gardens most of the day yesterday and kept hearing a wood pecker next door in a really old tree. Never got to see him, but he worked at least as long as I did.

Great image, Nancy.Around here, the flickers are rat-a-tat-tatting on all the houses’ chimney flashings chimney caps, and gutters and any other form of noise-makers that will help draw attention to themselves. It’s mate attracting time, and our local “boys” are masters at it.

I love the way you’ve captured the woodpecker, both in picture and words. I’m so fond of them. I just recently read that the downy, the hairy, and the pileated are all essentially the same except for size. We never see the latter at the feeders but we can hear it out in the woods.